Dispelling Laser Hair Removal Myths

By Maria Barillaro for readersdigest.caJanuary 18, 2011

The pros and cons of laser hair removal are in abundance on the World Wide Web so it can be difficult to decipher between myth and fact. Read on to find out what laser hair removal is and isn't and get the information you need to make sure you go about it safely.

The Myth: Laser hair removal has not been proven safe.

The Truth: According to Howard Burak, the president of the Permalaser Clinic in Montreal, a laser system is safe as long as it has been approved by both Health Canada and the FDA. Burak says it’s important to ask your laser technician what type of laser is being used because some clinics may be using cheaper lasers that are not approved by Health Canada or the FDA. As long as your clinic is using a laser that has been determined safe, you have nothing to worry about.

The Myth: Laser hair removal can actually cause more hair to grow.

The Truth: According to Burak, if this myth were indeed true, we’d have a cure for baldness. There is no way a laser can create more hair growth. The important thing to keep in mind is that our bodies are constantly changing and as we age, some people will lose body hair and some may grow more in new places. Laser can destroy your hair follicles but cannot prevent new ones from developing.

The Myth: Laser hair removal works the same for all hair types.

The Truth: It’s important to meet with a technician to determine what sort of results you can expect beforehand. Results vary by hair colour, skin type and person. Red hair is more difficult, though not impossible, to remove and white and grey hair cannot be removed with laser treatment. Because the hair actually lacks pigment, it’s not possible for the lasers to identify the hair follicles and destroy them.

The Myth: Laser hair removal exposes you to radiation.

The Truth: Burak says the laser emits no radiation. While there is radiation in between the light barriers of the laser, it does not exit that space and is in no way harmful to the recipient of laser hair removal.

The Myth: Permanent hair removal can be completed in one long session.

The Truth: According to Burak, it is impossible to get rid of hair growth in just one session, no matter what a clinic may tell you. Hair has different cycles and will grow in at different times so it cannot all be targeted at once. The only way to effectively destroy all hair follicles is to wait for them to grow in, and target them with the laser. Obviously, this can only be done over time.

Things to know before committing to laser…

First of all, one should certainly seek out a consultation from a reputable clinic before engaging in any laser sessions. Find out if the lasers being used are approved by Health Canada and the FDA and ask a technician what type of results someone with your hair and skin colour can expect. If you take any medications, mention this to your consulting technician because some medications cannot be combined with laser treatment.